AI-generated exam score rumor leads to arrest in China
A Xiamen resident used AI text generation tools to fabricate and spread a fake story about a college entrance exam candidate's drastically mismatched scores in China's Sichuan province in July 2026. The false post circulated widely before authorities confirmed it was entirely fabricated misinformation intended to generate online traffic for profit, and the creator was arrested and administratively detained.
What happened
An online post titled 'College entrance exam estimated score 715, actual score 299, girl claims exam paper is not hers' circulated widely on Chinese internet platforms in July 2026.
Zhou Mou, a Xiamen resident, used artificial intelligence tools to batch-generate false articles and posted the fabricated story, which invented a fictional Mianyang examinee named Zhou Mouhe with contradictory scores and fabricated details about answer sheet mismatching based on handwriting analysis.
Mianyang police investigated and determined the entire content was fabricated misinformation intended to generate online traffic and illegal profit.
Reported impact
The false post sparked widespread online discussion and concern among the public.
Official verification by Mianyang Education and Sports Bureau and Sichuan Province Education Examination Authority found no examinee named Zhou Mouhe existed and the described exam procedures contradicted official college entrance exam regulations.
Index analysis
The AI tool was used to batch-generate false news articles, with the core purpose of creating viral content for monetary gain.
The fabricated scenario included detailed invented scores and false procedural descriptions designed to appear credible.
Governance controls
Zhou Mou was apprehended by public security authorities and received administrative detention according to the revised Administrative Penalties Law for Public Security effective January 1, 2026.
Cross-border detention procedures were implemented through coordination between authorities.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.